‘Clean as you go’ must be Ilonggos’ way of life

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

The Iloilo City Government encouraged Ilonggos to observe the “Clean as you go” (CLAYGO) practice as part of their daily routine to keep the city clean.

On Monday, the city government headed by Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed support for the CLAYGO practice by signing a pledge of commitment.

Councilor Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon, proponent of Resolution No. 2019-654 passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) last year, led the pledge of commitment.

“As we campaign for a cleaner and more responsible city, it is just right that our city officials and departments be in support especially that we are promoting a lot of festivals so mas maayo gid nga makita sang aton mga bisita nga kita mismo nga mga leaders gapanguna gid maninlo sa siyudad,’ he said.

Under the resolution, the city government is tasked to support and encourage the general public including establishments in the city to practice the CLAYGO method.

CLAYGO is a practice that encourages everyone to make cleaning a part of daily routine and as a way of life.

The city council also encourages all universities and schools, all commercial and industrial establishments such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals, cinema houses, pubic markets, department stores, groceries, food chains, kiosks, and workplaces to provide sufficient trash bins and other facilities intended for clean-up.

“The Iloilo City Council encourages the public whether locals or tourists to dispose of their garbage properly in trash bins to make a safe, healthy, and cleaner environment. This action aims to minimize the risks of having health, hygiene, safety, and sanitation issues,” the resolution added.

Treñas said he supports the campaign.

“Ang initiative ni Rudolph importante ni kay indi matinlo ang siyudad kon indi man kita tanan matinguha maninlo sa siyudad,” Treñas said.

After seeing the trash on the streets a day after the opening salvo of Dinagyang 2020 last week, the mayor said the city will provide garbage bins.

“Wala sang mga basurahan sa siyudad. We have to come up with garbage bins all over city. In the meantime, padamuon ta ang ‘kaing’ para mahabuyan basura sa city especially sa Dinagyang,” he said.

He emphasized that the city will be strict in the implementation of its anti-littering ordinance

“Kon may basura kita kag wala pa garbage bin, taguon lang anay asta may makita nga garbage bin kag dira kita mahaboy,” he noted.

Recently, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that the city was among the awardees of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Clean Tourist City Award 2020-2022.

According to the tourism department, the prestigious award was presented to cities with the initiative to beautify their public areas, improve the environment and sanitation, enhance urban spaces, and promote their natural man-made attractions.

The mayor was also invited to the awarding ceremony at the Empire Hotel and Country Club in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei on January 16, 2020.